Masquerade Poem by Margaret Kollmer

Laughing like a clown behind a made-up face
Knowing that your smile is a facade
Wondering what goes on behind your eyes
What is real and what is a charade.

Living like a clown behind a made-up face
Eyebrows arched as though to hide a frown
Watching as I see you with your plastic bricks
Knowing that like you they'll tumble down.

Loving like a clown behind a made-up face
Can you feel the damp upon my cheek
Still I see you hurting through your juggling act
Wondering how to say the words I seek.

Crying like a clown behind a laughing face
Feeling so befooled by your designer smile
Knowing that it's time to say goodbye...
And being fine... if only in a little while.